A DESPERATE Royal British Legion branch has issued an urgent call for new volunteers, warning it is at risk of closing down.

The Powick and Callow End branch, which has origins dating back almost a century, is surviving on the hard-work of a few dedicated committee members.

But, in older age and with declining health, many are struggling to continue and have been left “at their wit’s end” after previous appeals for new faces proved unsuccessful.

The plea comes just weeks after “fantastic” remembrance services and a successful poppy appeal were held in the area.

Chairman John Mason, 81, of Powick, said: “Unless this major problem is resolved in the near future the Royal British Legion will cease to exist in this community.

“If that happens I would not like anyone to say ‘you did not warn us of the gravity of the situation’.

“Sadly we now have only a very small handful of active members left who are still able to be involved in the running of the branch.

“We are all getting old and cannot carry on much longer as the ‘custodians of remembrance’.

“Unless we have some younger blood join our ranks the sort of spectacle we had this year at our remembrance services will soon be just a memory.

“We have been trying very hard over a number of years to encourage people to join us and be prepared to take on the jobs that some of us have done for many years – but without success.”

He added that new faces are needed to fill the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary roles and attend just 10 meetings a year.

Anyone can join the Royal British Legion regardless of age or gender.

The Powick and Callow End branch’s origins date back to 1921, when separate organisations were founded in both villages. They merged after the Second World War and membership continued to thrive, standing at a healthy 120 in 2002.

But it has now fallen on hard times and issued an urgent plea for help.

To get involved call Mr Mason on 01905 830805.